The Situ family's ultimate technique, the Black Flame Art, possessed immense power but was also incredibly difficult to cultivate. The primary reason for this was that practicing this technique required various ice-attribute rare treasures of heaven and earth, as well as women with constitutions like the Profound Ice Body to serve as cauldrons.
Currently, the only person in their family who could master this ultimate technique was the family's Grand Elder. That old man cultivated the Black Flame Art, but he was already nearing ninety years old.
If no one were to inherit the Grand Elder's mantle, in a few more years, when the old man passed away, this ultimate technique of the Situ family might well be lost!
Initially, when they heard that Situ Liuguang was cultivating the Black Flame Art, they were all greatly surprised. Without a suitable cauldron, doing so was akin to suicide!
Later, upon hearing the details, they realized that Wang Bingxia actually possessed the Profound Ice Body!
Looking at it this way, Situ Liuguang's claim that he was doing it for the family wasn't an exaggeration.
Sixth Master spoke up at this moment: "Haha, well said, Xiao Guang. I stand with you on this matter. What you've done is correct; such a woman is a rare find.
If you cultivate the Black Flame Art to the Great Accomplishment stage, our Situ family's strength will improve by a significant margin.
Most importantly, the Grand Elder is advanced in age, so we won't have to worry about the Black Flame Art being lost!"
As Sixth Master spoke, he turned his gaze towards Xiao Situ Leisheng, his brow furrowed.
"Leisheng, I'm not trying to criticize you, but you handled this matter improperly. Your younger brother did nothing wrong; he acted for the family.
You had a fortuitous encounter on Hell Paradise Island, but you cannot hinder the progress of your younger brothers and sisters!"
Situ Leisheng immediately became anxious.
"Sixth Master, that Wang Bingxia is not an ordinary woman. She is someone who must not be trifled with!
Furthermore, she is already engaged, and her fiancé is not someone to be provoked. If we offend him, our entire Situ family could be in great trouble!"
"Oh? Tell me then, who is her fiancé? Which influential family's descendant is he, or is he a powerful figure?" Sixth Master asked dismissively.
"Wang Bingxia's fiancé is Ling Tian!"
"Ling Tian? That name sounds somewhat familiar. I think I've heard it somewhere..." Sixth Master said, rolling his eyes and falling into thought. The vast majority of people around were also bewildered, not knowing who this Ling Tian was.
"Sixth Master, you seem to have a rather poor memory. Yesterday, when I reported, I mentioned that there was a person on Hell Paradise Island who turned the tide and saved all of us!
And that person was Ling Tian!"
Upon hearing Situ Leisheng's words, several high-ranking members of the Situ family recalled the matter. They had only heard about Ling Tian's deeds yesterday, and the family head, Situ Ye, had even instructed Situ Leisheng to build a good relationship with Ling Tian and try to win him over.
They never expected that Situ Liuguang would set his sights on Ling Tian's fiancée. This was truly like searching for death while holding a lantern.
"Ling Tian's background is very mysterious, but he has very powerful mentors!
Despite his youth, Ling Tian is a member of the Sword Bureau, and can even be considered a favored individual within the bureau!
Many high-ranking and respected elders rely on Ling Tian for personal diagnoses and treatments. In other words, Ling Tian has influence with these individuals!"
When everyone heard this, they initially found it hard to believe. After all, in their eyes, Ling Tian was just a young man in his twenties or thirties, while the experts at the Sword Bureau were almost all over sixty.
To become a member of the Sword Bureau at such a young age, and to be able to treat those elders, only indicated two possibilities: either Ling Tian's medical skills were heaven-defying, and he had conquered the discerning eyes of the Sword Bureau members with his abilities.
The other possibility was that he possessed extremely deep connections. One must understand that not just anyone could casually treat those elders.
Although the Situ family had considerable influence and a thousand-year heritage, there was a saying: "A local official is better than a distant one."
If Ling Tian were to lodge a complaint with these elders, a single word from them could bring immense trouble to the Situ family!
Situ Leisheng seized the opportunity and added, "This time, it's not just us; the Xuanyuan family, the Long family, and many other families owe Ling Tian a favor!
Guess what? If Ling Tian seeks their help, will these prominent families stand idly by?
They will not only directly intervene but might even spread this matter throughout the martial world, turning our Situ family into a laughingstock!"
Situ Leisheng's words drew the attention of the Situ family's high-ranking members. They exchanged glances and fell into contemplation.
Admittedly, if Situ Liubang were to marry Wang Bingxia, it would bring immense benefits and further enhance the family's strength.
However, doing so would also mean offending such a formidable young man, which required careful consideration. Was the matter more beneficial or detrimental?
Seeing that the family elders seemed to be wavering, Situ Liuguang quickly said, "Brother, you are alarmist! I believe this Ling Tian is not as formidable as you claim!
Your excessive praise for Ling Tian is simply an attempt to cover up your own mediocrity on Hell Paradise Island!"
Situ Liuguang was well aware of the power of leveraging influence and directly accused Situ Leisheng of making baseless claims, a charge that was difficult to refute.
"Situ Liuguang, what nonsense are you spouting!
How could I possibly deceive the family head on such a matter? If you don't believe me, you can use your connections and resources to inquire with other families, and you'll know if I'm telling the truth!"
For a moment, the scene became chaotic, with everyone arguing their case. Some chose to believe Situ Leisheng's account, while many others supported Situ Liuguang.
After a long while, the family head, Situ Ye, suddenly shouted, "Enough! All of you, shut up!"
The scene immediately fell silent. Everyone looked at Situ Ye as if awaiting a judge's verdict. After a moment, he spoke.
"Liuguang, for now, you will halt your pursuit of Wang Bingxia. I will send people to investigate and verify the background of this person named Ling Tian.
If he is truly as formidable as your brother claims, then this matter must be dropped.
I hope you can understand why I am doing this!"
"Yes, Group Leader. I will abide by your teachings and do as you say!" Situ Liuguang was overjoyed. He knew that in the past, when such situations arose, all the elders in the family sided with his brother.